There were plenty of draws for the leading players in Iceland - including six on the top seven boards - which meant ground could be gained by those who won.

Germany's Vincent Keymer fit the bill, defeating the Czech David Navara.

Victory lifts Keymer onto 6.5 points, the same total as Mameodov and Demchenko.

Mameodov of Azerbaijan will play Kaymer tomorrow on board one, with Demchenko up against Evgeny Romonov in an all-Russian match.

Romonov is one of six players half a point off the lead.

The tournament is being played using the Swiss system, and is set to conclude on September 5 after 11 rounds.